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Abstract:

A seat for use in an aircraft having a floor is provided. The seat has a
support assembly, a seat, a seat back pivotably coupled to the support
assembly for movement between an upright position and a reclined position
relative to the support assembly, and an occupant back support having an
upper portion and lower portion pivotally coupled to the seat back at the
upper portion. A pivot link pivotally couples to the rear portion of the
seat at a first end and pivotally couples to the lower portion of the
occupant back support at a second end. The pivot link causes the lower
portion of the occupant back support to move downwardly and forward
relative to the seat as the seat back moves from the upright position to
the reclined position.

Claims:

1. A seat for use in an aircraft having a floor comprising a support
assembly adapted to be secured to the floor, a seat, a seat back
pivotably coupled to the support assembly for movement between an upright
position and a reclined position relative to the support assembly, and an
occupant back support having an upper portion and lower portion pivotally
coupled to the seat back at the upper portion, a pivot link pivotally
coupled to the rear portion of the seat at a first end and pivotally
coupled to the lower portion of the occupant back support at a second end
for causing the lower portion of the occupant back support to move
downwardly and forward relative to the seat as the seat back moves from
the upright position to the reclined position.

2. The seat of claim 1, wherein the support assembly includes a
mid-support beam element.

3. The seat of claim 2, wherein a bottom frame link pivotably couples the
seat to the mid-support beam element.

4. The seat of claim 3, further comprising a pivotal connection between
the seat and the seat back.

5. The seat of claim 1, wherein the seat includes a seat bottom frame.

6. The seat of claim 1, wherein the seat back comprises a seat back beam.

7. The seat of claim 1, wherein a bottom-back frame link couples the seat
to the seat back.

8. The seat of claim 1, further comprising a vertical adjustment assembly
for movement of the seat between an upper position and a lower position.

9. The seat of claim 1, further comprising a recline adjustment assembly
for movement of the seat back and seat between the upright position and
the reclined position.

10. The seat of claim 1, further comprising a seat angle adjustment
assembly for adjustment of the angle of the seat relative to the support
assembly.

11. A seat for use in an aircraft, comprising a support assembly having a
mid-support beam element, a seat having a seat bottom frame, a seat back
including a seat back beam pivotably coupled to the support assembly for
movement between an upright position and a reclined position relative to
the support assembly and an occupant back support having an upper portion
and lower portion pivotally coupled to the seat back at the upper
portion, a pivot link pivotally coupled to the rear portion of the seat
at a first end and pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the occupant
back support at a second end for causing the lower portion of the
occupant back support to move downwardly and forward relative to the seat
as the seat back moves from the upright position to the reclined
position.

13. The seat of claim 12, further comprising a pivotal connection between
the seat and the seat back.

14. The seat of claim 11, wherein a bottom-back frame link couples the
seat to the seat back.

15. The seat of claim 11, further comprising a vertical adjustment
assembly for movement of the seat between an upper position and a lower
position.

16. The seat of claim 11, further comprising a recline adjustment
assembly for movement of the seat back and seat between the upright
position and the recline position.

17. The seat of claim 11, further comprising a seat angle adjustment
assembly for adjustment of the angle of the seat relative to the support
assembly.

18. A seat comprising: a support assembly having a mid-support beam
element; a seat having a seat bottom frame and a bottom frame link
pivotably coupling the seat bottom frame to the mid-support beam element;
a seat back having a seat back beam pivotably coupled to the support
assembly for movement between an upright position and a reclined position
relative to the support assembly, a pivotal connection between the seat
and the seat back, and an occupant back support having an upper portion
and lower portion pivotally coupled to the seat back at the upper
portion; and a pivot link pivotally coupled to the rear portion of the
seat at a first end and pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the
occupant back support at a second end for causing the lower portion of
the occupant back support to move downwardly and forward relative to the
seat as the seat back moves from the upright position to the reclined
position.

19. The seat of claim 18, further comprising a vertical adjustment
assembly for movement of the seat between an upper position and a lower
position.

20. The seat of claim 18, further comprising a recline adjustment
assembly for movement of the seat back and seat between the upright
position and the recline position.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application, Ser. No. 61/565,113, filed Nov. 30, 2011, entitled Aircraft
Seat, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to an aircraft seat, and in particular, a
synchronous recline mechanism for an aircraft seat.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Aircraft seats have specific performance requirements that
generally relate to weight and crash loads, typically requiring low
weight and high strength. These performance requirements are often
significant drivers of seat design, especially in seats including
integral occupant restraints.

[0004] The performance requirements are not always aligned with seat
comfort. For instance, to attempt to accommodate occupant comfort,
current aircraft seats are able to recline by changing the angle of the
seat back. In such a traditional aircraft seat, as the seat back is
reclined, increasing frictional force is required under the occupant's
backside to keep the occupant from sliding out of the seat. This friction
uncomfortably tugs on clothing, can lead to the occupant sliding forward,
and may create a gap in the lumbar region of the back or spine. Moreover,
current seats that incorporate back/bottom motion do not provide proper
back motion relative to the seat bottom--in particular where width is
restricted and an actual pivot point cannot be placed at the actual hip
point of the seated occupant. Moreover, typical recline mechanisms for
seat backs do not approximate recline about the hip point, resulting in
either gaps that open up between the back and bottom, up/down shear
motion relative to the occupant's back, or both. Further, relatively
large recline angles in addition to the natural motion are not possible
in current aircraft seating products even with traditional/simple recline
geometries.

[0005] Another typical concern with aircraft seats, and specifically
flight deck seats, is the ability of the pilot to fully extend his or her
legs to fully actuate the rudder pedals of the aircraft. In current
aircraft seats, this need is addressed through complicated mechanisms
that "give-way" under load. These systems, unfortunately, are often
poorly designed from an ergonomic perspective and are not well-understood
by users, causing misuse and reduced comfort.

[0006] The foregoing concerns with traditional flight deck seating lead to
back fatigue, discomfort, loss of concentration, and the possibility of
injury.

SUMMARY

[0007] A seat for use in an aircraft having a floor is provided. The seat
has a support assembly, a seat, a seat back pivotably coupled to the
support assembly for movement between an upright position and a reclined
position relative to the support assembly, and an occupant back support
having an upper portion and lower portion pivotally coupled to the seat
back at the upper portion. A pivot link pivotally couples to the rear
portion of the seat at a first end and pivotally couples to the lower
portion of the occupant back support at a second end. The pivot link
causes the lower portion of the occupant back support to move downwardly
and forward relative to the seat as the seat back moves from the upright
position to the reclined position.

[0008] A seat as described herein provides a highly-structural,
synchronous recline mechanism for an aircraft seat that supports the
natural recline of the human body based on the human body's linkages. In
particular, the seat back moves downward as it rotates, approximating the
natural recline of the human body about the hip point.

[0009] These and other features and advantages of devices, systems, and
methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent
from, the following detailed descriptions of various examples of
embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Various examples of embodiments of the systems, devices, and
methods according to this invention will be described in detail, with
reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one or more examples of embodiments
of a seat as detailed herein.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the seat shown in FIG. 1, taken
from line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the seat shown in FIG. 1, taken
from line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one or more examples of embodiments
of a seat back frame for use with a seat as shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of one or more examples of
embodiments of a seat back frame for use with a seat as shown in FIG. 1,
taken from line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of one or more examples of
embodiments of a seat bottom frame for use with a seat as shown in FIG.
1, showing one or more examples of link or pivot attachment mechanisms
thereon.

[0017] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of one or more examples of
embodiments of a bottom-back link as described herein for use with the
seat shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of one or more examples of
embodiments of a bottom frame link as described herein for use with the
seat shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a cut away side elevation view of the seat shown in FIG.
1, showing the various link and pivot assemblies described herein.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the seat shown in FIG. 1, having a
seat bottom seating surface and back seating surface thereon.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the seat shown in FIG. 1,
showing a seated occupant hip pivot point in relation to the seat.

[0022] FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of the seat shown in FIG. 1,
showing the seat in a maximum upright or no recline position.

[0023] FIG. 10B is a side elevation view of the seat shown in FIG. 1,
showing the seat in a maximum recline position.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the seat shown in FIG. 1,
showing the recline of the seat back in dashed lines.

[0025] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to
scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the
understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to
perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that
the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments
illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The attached Figures illustrate one or more examples of an aircraft
seat 100 or flight deck seat and its operation. According to one or more
examples of embodiments, the seat 100 described herein is for use in an
aircraft having a floor. An example aircraft seat for use with the
present invention is illustrated in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,087,729,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. While specific
examples are provided, the principles set forth herein may be used in
other applications or aircraft seats.

[0027] The seat 100 described herein includes several elements that can be
mounted to a variety of base structures (see FIG. 1). The base structure
elements described in further detail herein include a seat bottom frame
102, a seat back frame 104, a seat back beam 106, a mid-support beam 108,
a bottom frame link 110, and a bottom-back frame link 112.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the base structure may include a support
assembly 114. The support assembly 114 is adapted to be secured to a
floor. In one or more examples of embodiments, the support assembly 114
is or includes a durable rigid frame or bottom frame 116 formed of one or
more stiff composite or metallic elements. The bottom frame 116 may
include one or more structures to couple, or movably couple the seat 100
to the floor, or otherwise support the seat on the floor.

[0029] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, a mid-support beam 108 is coupled to
the support assembly 114. The mid-support beam element 108 is coupled to
the support assembly 114 by a pair of pivot assemblies discussed in
further detail hereinbelow. The mid-support beam element 108 includes or
is defined by one or more durable stiff or rigid composite or metallic
beams, which may be interconnected. The mid-support beam 108 incorporates
pivot points, discussed in further detail hereinbelow, for a bottom frame
link 110 and a seat back beam 106. The mid-support beam 108 enables the
seat back 104 and bottom frame 116 to be mounted directly to the floor of
the aircraft or to a vertical adjustment mechanism 118, enabling the seat
back frame 104 and bottom frame 116 to move up and down. In the
illustrated example, a vertical adjustment mechanism 118 is provided
which includes forward and rear pivot arms or assemblies which couple to
the bottom frame 116 at a lower pivot point and couple to the mid-support
beam 108 by an upper pivot point. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the forward
and rear pivot arms 120, 122 are each formed of a pair of interconnected
pivot arms. The vertical adjustment assembly may be coupled to a suitable
control assembly for controlling the movement of the vertical adjustment
assembly 118, to move the seat vertically between lower and upper
extremes.

[0030] A seat, or seat bottom 124, is carried or supported by the support
structure 114 and/or mid-support beam element 108. The seat, and more
specifically seat bottom 124, is defined by or includes a seat bottom
frame element 102. The seat bottom frame element 102 is arranged and
sized to support an occupant. In the illustrated example, the seat bottom
frame 102 is defined by a stiff composite shell roughly sized to support
a seated occupant's bottom. In the alternative, one or more
interconnected frame members may make up the seat bottom frame element
102. The seat bottom frame 102 supports or carries a seating surface,
such as for example, an elastomeric seating surface or a foam cushion
(see FIG. 8). In this regard, the seat bottom frame element 102 provides
a compliant support for the seated occupant's bottom.

[0031] The seat bottom frame element 102 incorporates pivot points for
connection with the bottom frame link 110, the seat back beam 106, and
the bottom-back frame link 112. To this end, as shown in FIG. 6A, the
seat bottom frame element 102 may include a mounting surface 126 for
mounting one or more pivot link connection elements. The seat bottom
frame 102 may also include a rear flange 128 providing mounting locations
for a back support link, as well as lateral bending stiffness in one or
more examples of embodiments.

[0032] A bottom frame link 110 is provided which includes or is defined by
one or more elements that connect the seat bottom frame 102 to the
mid-support beam 108 (FIG. 6C). The bottom frame link 110 can be made
from a variety of structural materials, or durable rigid or stiff
materials, including for example metallic and/or composite materials. As
can be seen in FIG. 6A, the seat bottom frame 102, on a lower surface,
carries a seat bottom frame to bottom frame link connection element 130,
providing a pivot and connection point. The seat bottom frame 102 on the
lower surface also carries a seat bottom frame to seat back beam link
connection element 132, providing a pivot or connection point.

[0033] A mid-support pivot point to bottom frame link connection element
134 is provided on the mid-support beam element 108. The bottom frame
link 110 connects or couples the seat bottom frame 102 to the mid-support
beam 108 by pivotal connection with the mid-support pivot point to bottom
frame link connection element 134 and the seat bottom frame to bottom
frame link connection element 130. In the alternative, the corresponding
pivot points are directly connected.

[0034] Similarly, a mid-support pivot point to seat back beam connection
element 136 is provided on the mid-support beam element 108. The
mid-support pivot point to seat back beam connection element 136 may be
directly, pivotably, connected to the seat bottom frame to seat back beam
connection element 132, or in the alternative may be pivotably connected
through a link.

[0035] A seat back or seat back frame 104 is also provided (see FIGS.
4-5). The seat back frame 104 is pivotably coupled to the support
assembly 114 for movement between an upright position and a reclined
position relative to the support assembly. The seat back 104 includes or
is defined by an occupant back support and/or seat back frame element 104
and a seat back beam 106 (see FIGS. 2-3).

[0036] The seat back frame element 104 is arranged and sized to support an
occupant's back. In the illustrated examples of embodiments, the support
includes or is defined by a durable stiff composite shell roughly sized
to a seated occupant's back, or in the alternative one or more
interconnected frame members. However, variations thereon may be
acceptable for the purposes provided. The support may carry an occupant
support surface, such as for example an elastomeric surface or a cushion
(see FIG. 8). The seat back frame element provides a compliant support
for the seated occupant's back.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, the seat back frame element 104 has an upper
portion 138 and a lower portion 140. In particular, the seat back frame
element 104 incorporates upper and lower pivot points, as discussed in
further detail herein, for connection with the seat back beam 106 and a
bottom-back frame link 112.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the seat back beam 106 is pivotably
coupled to the occupant back support 104 at the upper portion 138. To
this end, a rear surface 142 of the seat back frame 104 carries a seat
back frame to seat back beam link connection element 144, which forms a
pivot point connection between the seat back frame 104 and the seat back
beam 106. The seat back beam element 106 carries a seat back frame to
seat back beam pivot connection element 146 on the seat back beam,
providing a pivot point. The connection elements may be coupled together
by a pivot arm which aligns with and is pivotally secured to the
connection elements on both ends of the pivot arm. In the alternative,
the connection elements may be directly pivotally coupled, such as by a
male-female pivot link. The various elements and links may be coupled by
a pivot pin or the like.

[0039] The seat back beam element 106 includes or is defined by one or
more durable stiff or rigid composite or metallic beams (see FIG. 2). The
seat back beam element 106 is positioned and extends or runs behind the
seat back frame 104 or occupant support for the entire height of the seat
back frame 104 and extends forward under a rear portion 148 of the seat
bottom frame 102 (FIG. 7).

[0040] The seat back beam element 106 incorporates pivot points for the
seat back frame element 104 and seat bottom frame element 102. A pivot
point for the seat back frame 104 is toward the upper end of the seat
back beam 106. A pivot point for the seat bottom frame 102 is close to
the seat back beam 106 pivot joint 152 with the mid-support beam 108. To
this end, the seat back beam element 106 provides pivot points for the
seat back frame 104 and bottom frame 116, and is arranged to react to
seat back structural loads. The seat back beam element also incorporates
a variety of mounting holes 150 for other seat 100 components such as
shoulder and lap belt restraints, armrests, and a headrest. The seat back
beam element 106 is also coupled by a pivot mechanism 152 to the
mid-support beam element 108, and pivots about a lateral axis on the
mid-support beam element. In one or more examples of embodiment, seat
back beam motion may be controlled by a locking element between the seat
back beam and the mid-support beam 108.

[0041] A bottom-back frame link 112, as shown in FIG. 6B, is provided
which includes or is defined by one or more elements that connect the
seat bottom frame 102 to the seat back frame 104. The bottom-back frame
link 112 can be made from a variety of structural materials, or rigid or
stiff durable materials, including for example metallic and/or composite
materials. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the seat bottom frame 102 on a lower
surface 102 and/or rear surface 128 carries a seat bottom frame to
bottom-back link connection element 154, providing a pivot or connection
point. In one example, two seat bottom frame to bottom-back link
connection elements 154 are provided in a spaced apart relation near
lateral edges of the seat bottom frame 102. In addition, the seat back
frame 104 carries a seat back frame to bottom-back frame link connection
element 156. In one example, two seat back frame to bottom-back link
connection elements 156 are provided. The connection elements may be
coupled together by a pivot arm, such as a bottom-back frame link 112,
which aligns with and is pivotally secured to the connection elements on
both ends of the pivot arm. In the alternative the connection elements
may be directly pivotably coupled.

[0042] Accordingly, a pivot link is provided pivotably coupled to the rear
portion of the seat at a first end and pivotably coupled to the lower
portion of the occupant back support at a second end. In this
arrangement, the lower portion of the occupant back support is caused to
move downwardly and forward relative to the seat as the seat back moves
from an upright position to a reclined position.

[0043] The various elements and links described herein as being coupled,
may be coupled by any suitable mechanism, one example of which is a pivot
pin or the like.

[0044] A recline adjustment assembly may also be provided for controlling
the recline of the seat back between two extreme positions, namely full
recline and upright or no recline. The recline adjustment assembly is
capable of controlling the recline angle of the seat back, and may be
coupled to the seat back beam and/or the mid-support beam, as well as the
support assembly. The recline assembly may be connected to a control for
controlling recline of the seat back.

[0045] In one or more alternative examples of embodiments, a seat angle
adjustment mechanism may also be provided. For example, an adjustment
mechanism may be provided for adjusting a seated occupant thigh angle. In
one or more examples of embodiments, an angle adjustment assembly may be
mounted such that it connects or is coupled to the seat bottom frame
and/or the mid-support beam, and/or the support assembly. The angle
adjustment assembly is adapted to vary the position of the seat bottom
frame relative to the support assembly and/or mid-support beam, and is
thereby capable of changing the angle of the seat bottom frame and
supported seat.

[0046] Accordingly, a seat 100 for use in an aircraft having a floor is
provided. The aircraft seat has a support assembly adapted to be secured
to the floor, a seat, a seat back pivotably coupled to the support
assembly for movement between an upright position and a reclined position
relative to the support assembly, and an occupant back support having an
upper portion and lower portion pivotally coupled to the seat back at the
upper portion, a pivot link pivotally coupled to the rear portion of the
seat at a first end and pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the
occupant back support at a second end for causing the lower portion of
the occupant back support to move downwardly and forward relative to the
seat as the seat back moves from the upright position to the reclined
position.

[0047] One or more examples of the operation of the seat 100 described
herein will now be described in reference to the Figures.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, according to one or more examples of
embodiments, the seat 100 described herein includes various linkages
which form a synchronous recline mechanism to enable the seat bottom 124
and seat back 104 to move in motions that mirror the natural motion of
the human body. To this end, in order to provide the proper motion of the
seat bottom frame 102, the seat bottom frame 102 pivots and translates in
space roughly about the ankle of the seated occupant. This motion enables
a natural recline motion that increases the seat bottom frame 102 angle
during recline to cradle the occupant and reduce friction under the
thighs and bottom of the occupant.

[0049] To allow the above-described motion, the seat bottom frame 102 is
connected to the mid-support 108 via the bottom frame link 110 and the
seat back beam 106 via a pivot joint 152, enabling a four-bar-type motion
and allowing rotation and translation. As can be seen by reference to
FIG. 7, the bottom frame link 110 connects or couples to the seat bottom
frame 102 roughly in the middle of the seat bottom frame. The pivot point
152 with the seat back beam is toward the rear of the seat bottom frame
102. The position of the pivot points on the mid-support beam 108, seat
bottom frame 102, and seat back beam 106 result in a seat bottom frame
motion that pivots roughly about the ankle point of the seated occupant.

[0050] During recline, the seat back beam 106 (which is unlocked) is
allowed to pivot aft. This motion moves the rear pivot point 152 with the
seat bottom frame 102 and causes the seat bottom frame 102 to be drawn
aft and downward. The motion of the front 158 of the seat bottom frame
102 is controlled by bottom frame link 110. The front edge 158 of the
seat bottom frame 102 moves downward as it rotates so that pressure is
maintained under the thighs of the occupant.

[0051] To provide the proper/ideal motion of the seat back frame 104, the
seat back frame 104 pivoted in space roughly about the hip point 162
(shown in FIG. 9) of the seated occupant. In this regard, the gap 160
between the seat bottom frame 102 and the seat back frame 104 is reduced
during recline with the bottom edge of the seat back frame moving forward
and down relative to the rear portion of the seat bottom frame. Since a
mechanical joint cannot be placed at the actual hip point of the seated
occupant, to achieve the motion, as described above the seat 100 allows
the seat back to pivot and translate forward and downward around its
bottom edge approximating the proper ideal motion. This motion is
achieved through the placement of the pivot points on the seat back frame
104, seat back beam 106, seat bottom frame 102, as well as the
bottom-back frame link 112. During recline, the seat back beam 106 (which
is unlocked) is allowed to pivot with the mid-support beam 108. This
motion causes the seat back frame 104 to be drawn aft via the upper pivot
connection between the seat back beam and seat back frame, increasing
recline angle of both elements. The motion of the bottom of the seat back
frame 104 is then controlled by its connection to the seat bottom frame
102 via the bottom-back frame link 112. This link causes the seat back to
move downward as it pivots while reducing the gap 160 between the seat
back frame 104 and seat bottom frame 102. This motion approximates the
natural recline of the human body about the hip point 162.

[0052] Various advantages are provided by the seat 100 described and
illustrated herein. For example, the seat creates virtual pivot points in
space through the use of mechanisms that are behind/below the occupant.
This enables the described synchronous motion to be incorporated into the
narrow space constraints of an aircraft seat. By comparison, other seats
that incorporate synchronous back/bottom motion do not provide proper
back motion relative to the seat bottom--in particular where width is
restricted and an actual pivot point cannot be placed at the actual hip
point of the seated occupant. Additionally, contrary to typical recline
mechanisms for seat backs, the seat described herein approximates recline
about the hip point of a seated occupant, avoiding or reducing gaps that
open up between the back and bottom, as well as the up/down shear motion
relative to the occupant's back. In addition, the mechanism of the seat
described herein enables relatively large recline angles, in addition to
the natural motion, which are not possible in current aircraft seating
products. Additionally, the mechanism is capable of reacting to
substantial structural loads encountered in aircraft seat testing.

[0053] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about,"
"substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning
in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill
in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It
should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this
disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of
certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of
these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly,
these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or
inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter
described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the
invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0054] It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g.,
"top" and "bottom") in this description are merely used to identify
various elements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized
that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending
on the application in which they are used.

[0055] For the purpose of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the
joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such
joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining
may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any
additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single
unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members
and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable
in nature.

[0056] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement
of the system, methods, and devices as shown in the various examples of
embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have
been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who
review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting
arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed
may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts
may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed
or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members
or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or
number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be
varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of
the engagement slots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any
process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to
alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and
omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement
of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit
or scope of the present inventions.

[0057] While this invention has been described in conjunction with the
examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives,
modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents,
whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become
apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly,
the examples of embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are
intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore,
the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed
alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial
equivalents.